Journal of Ginseng Research

The Korean Society of Ginseng (고려인삼학회)
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The beneficial potential of ginseng for menopause

  • JiHyeon Song (Department of Integrative Bioscience and Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Sejong University) ;
  • Namkyu Lee (Department of Integrative Bioscience and Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Sejong University) ;
  • Hyun-Jeong Yang (Department of Integrative Healthcare, University of Brain Education) ;
  • Myeong Soo Lee (KM Science Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine) ;
  • Spandana Rajendra Kopalli (Department of Integrative Bioscience and Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Sejong University) ;
  • Yong-ung Kim (Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, College of Cosmetics and Pharmaceuticals, Daegu Haany University) ;
  • YoungJoo Lee (Department of Integrative Bioscience and Biotechnology, College of Life Science, Sejong University)
  • Received : 2023.10.31
  • Accepted : 2024.05.30
  • Published : 2024.09.01
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Abstract

Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) has long been used not only as a food supplement but also as a treatment for various diseases. Ginseng originated in South Korea, which later spread to China and Japan, has a wide range of pharmacological activities including immune, endocrine, cardiovascular, and central nervous system effects. KRG is produced by repetitions of steaming and drying of ginseng to extend preservation. During this steaming process, the components of ginseng undergo physio-chemical changes forming a variety of potential active constituents including ginsenoside-Rg3, a unique compound in KRG. Pandemic Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has affected both men and women differentially. In particular, women were more vulnerable to COVID-related distress which in turn could aggravate menopause-related disturbances. Complementary and alternative medicinal plants could have aided middle-aged women for several menopause-related symptoms during and post COVID-19 pandemic. This review aimed to explore the beneficial effects of KRG on menopausal symptoms and gynecological cancer.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

This research was supported 2022 grant from the Korean Society of Ginseng to YJL and by Korea Ministry of Environment (MOE) as Graduate School specialized in Climate Change.

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